Venice Carnival Brings Out the Masks, Regattas and Revelry

A masquerade parade on the Cannaregio Canal in Venice on Jan. 28.Credit
Manuel Silvestri/Reuters

In Venice, Italy, it’s that time again.

Time for grand costume balls, fierce mask contests, towering wigs and a parade of preening, strutting revelers as city residents and visitors from around the world take part in its annual carnival.

The season technically began on Jan. 27 with the Flight of the Angel, a ritual dating to the 1500s, and an opening regatta. Others will follow, and the season it will end on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday or Martedì Grasso), the day before Ash Wednesday.

The theme this year, “Creatum: Civitas Ludens,” evokes the spirit of fun and play during carnival.

On Saturday, the Festa delle Maria, or parade of the Marias, unfolded. Traditionally, 12 young women were chosen to represent the city, commemorating the rescue of Venetian brides-to-be from pirates centuries ago.

Next Sunday, a masked eagle will descend from St Mark’s bell tower. The weekly descents are among the carnival’s most popular attractions, but for security reasons, participants in the square this year have been capped at 20,000.

Every day, there will be a competition for the most beautiful mask. The tradition of the mask started in the 13th century, when Venetians held parties before the start of Lent and wore elaborate masks to conceal their identity.

These parties were said to be the only time when aristocrats and peasants, disguised by their masks, played out their fantasies together.

They indulged in illicit activities like gambling, clandestine affairs and political assassinations. By the 18th century, masks were banned outside during carnival time because they were abused by Venetian gamblers and prostitutes seeking anonymity.

A mask artisan working in his shop in Venice, on Jan. 27. Every day during the festivities, there will be a competition for the most beautiful mask.Credit
Manuel Silvestri/Reuters

Correction: February 7, 2018

Because of incorrect information provided by Reuters, an earlier version of a photo caption with this article misidentified the pictured location of a masquerade parade. It was the Cannaregio Canal, not the Grand Canal.